Do you want to learn more about adoption and the foster care system? Are you on the fence about fostering or adopting?

Hear from Amber Cooper, Winchester County foster and adoptive mom. Amber tells the story of what led her to adoption and foster care and shares words of encouragement for those who may be thinking about it themselves.

As the Church, we should be stirred by God’s heart for adoption. Let’s not forget that we ourselves are an adopted family of brothers and sisters! We were once estranged, but now we are adopted into God’s family. This should have pretty big implications on how we view earthly adoption. We believe each member of God’s family is called to participate. And yes, there are ways you can participate that don’t involve adopting.

Many families impacted by disability are not able to control the extra sounds and movements that their loved ones with disabilities make or need. To many in your congregation, this may be distracting.

To those with disabilities, the extra noise and movements are means of communication and ways of coping with the environment.

Hear from a friend of Project Belong who chose to create belonging for an older young man. They're a kinship family who worked with a therapeutic foster agency called United Methodist Family Services (UMFS). Kinship Care is when a family member or close family friend steps in to care for a child. This is a great 30 minute interview that shines a light on what blending a family and working with an older child is like.

"I got to sit down with my friend and fellow blogger/speaker Jamie Finn from Foster the Family and ask her some questions about life, family and ministry. I also learned a thing or two about "Jersey" geography and stereotypes, as well as the dangers of the KFC drivethru. I hope you enjoy!" - Jason Johnson

There's a harsh and heart-breaking reality in working with children and youth from foster care. Adverse childhood experiences harm the developing child and it often shows up through confusing or negative behaviors. But even though the pathways in the brain may be wired together in an unhealthy way, through relationship and understanding in both the child AND the caregiver, a healthy rewiring can take place.

The Gentrys discuss their experience with foster care, the ways their church showed up for them, and the lessons God taught them through their journey.

The local church can be a part of that restoration as they serve hard working foster/adoptive parents. One way is by providing a free Parent Night Out. The Fairfax PNO served 25 children who played, enjoyed pizza, games, art projects, and a movie, while adults, sensitive to their situations, cared for them. Those foster parents enjoyed four hours of rest.